ovation (n.)

1530s, in the Roman historical sense, from Middle French ovation or directly from Latin ovationem (nominative ovatio) "a triumph, rejoicing," noun of action from past participle stem of ovare "exult, rejoice, triumph," probably imitative of a shout (compare Greek euazein "to utter cries of joy").

In Roman history, a lesser triumph, granted to a commander for achievements (such as defeat of an inconsiderable enemy, accomplished with little bloodshed), insufficient to entitle him to a triumph proper. The figurative sense of "burst of enthusiastic applause from a crowd" is attested by 1831.